PCCI Names First-Ever VP of Data Science

The Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation has named Vikas Chowdhry its first-ever vice president of data science. The position was created to expand leadership in the data science sector to develop more advanced algorithms and research.

As data science VP, Chowdhry will lead the current nine-person data science team. He will oversee cognitive computing initiatives, artificial intelligence development, advanced analytics research, and the innovation of new programs.

Chowdhry most recently served as the director of data science and machine learning for population health at Verona, Wis.-based Epic Systems Corp., an electronic medical records software firm. He worked there for 15 years. His experience includes software development, strategy, and population health in India and the U.S.

PCCI President and CEO Dr. Steve Miff says Chowdhry is a proven leader with deep data science expertise. “The PCCI data science team’s expertise, training, and experience are impressive and somewhat unique in healthcare,” Miff said in a statement. “[Chowdhry] will be working with a renowned group of clinicians and other healthcare professionals who have strong expertise in informatics and will ensure that our vision of creating a world of connected communities so every health outcome is positive becomes reality.”

Chowdhry earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering at Jai Narain Vyas University in India. He earned his master’s degree in computer science at the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA at the University of Chicago.